2023 PBL President's Welcome Letter

There are special times over the course of each year, like maybe Christmas or a birthday, when the sheer joy of a given day is so anticipated and cherished as Opening Day of each new baseball season.  Coinciding with the onset of Spring, the start of the baseball schedule that extendsthrough the Summer and concludes in early Fall, is an annual ritual of American culture. Over the course of its summer-long unfolding storylines, going to a ballgame with family and friends offers so many thrilling moments and so many memories.

Located among ten of the most charming communities in the beautiful and spacious Mountain West region of this country, the Pioneer Baseball League, a Major League Baseball Partner League, is about a great fan experience featuring enchanting throw-back ballparks, regional food specialties and fun entertainment, not to mention high-level minor-league baseball by some of the most talented up-and-coming young players in the game.

And, as we've done with the critically successful "Knockout Round", the Pioneer League isalways looking for innovative change to assure our fans the very best possible experience when they attend one of our games.  Thus, in the interest of more game action and a faster pace of play, this year we're instituting pitch clocks and banning shifts at each of our ballparks.  As MLB has proven, pitch clocks trim game times and without shifts the ball is put in play more frequently, adding to our fans' enjoyment of the game.

So, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Pioneer League's 2023 season and I look forward to seeing you at one of our great ballparks this summer.

Michael Shapiro, President